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How 51Talk is Redefining Online Education Through AI–from the Boardroom to the Classroom

SINGAPORE, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — 51Talk, an online English language education platform, has announced plans to launch a comprehensive, AI-powered systems upgrade across its business operations within the coming months.

Partnering with top tier global AI service providers, the company describes the new initiative as a mass integration of AI across every facet of its business, including teaching, customer acquisition, marketing, management, and beyond.

Dubbed the “Smart Learning System 2.0“, this program is set for full implementation in Q2 2025, marking a major milestone in the company’s mission to advance the field of online education.

Enhancing Learning Outcomes through AI Integration

51Talk primarily caters to young learners aged 3-15, offering personalized one-on-one English courses. With the introduction of the new system, the platform will provide an overhauled, improved user experience in three key areas.

Initially, AI will be deployed in the student onboarding stage, where it will generate customized course plans based on evaluations of pre-class English proficiency.

Following this, the system will assume an active monitoring role to ensure that standards of teacher performance are upheld, and will evaluate student engagement to suggest areas of improvement for lesson delivery.

Finally, the system will take charge of student assessment beyond live lessons to cover areas such as practice exercises, real-time pronunciation feedback, and perhaps most notably: progress tracking.

This comprehensive approach will offer students, parents, and teachers transparent and quantifiable insights for progress and outcomes—powered by the efficiency and precision of automation.

Streamlining Business Operations through AI Integration

Currently, 51Talk’s ability to deliver personalized and scalable language education is already driven in part by AI systems, albeit only in selective aspects of the business.

Based on data from 51Talk’s existing iteration of the Smart Learning System, the company has provided the following projections for how the system upgrade is set to improve operational side metrics:

On Customer Acquisition and Service Efficiency, AI-driven automations employed in social media marketing, customized trial offerings, customer queries, and more are set to significantly reduce customer acquisition costs through increased conversion rates and lower service-related human resource costs.

On Staff Recruitment, replacing the traditional three-round manual interview process with AI-assisted screening is set to improve recruitment efficiency by 80%.

What’s in store for 51Talk and the future of online education?

During the pilot phase of the system, 51Talk has become the first in the industry to achieve a fully AI-driven sales closure, underscoring its potential to scale for rapid global expansion and accelerated revenue growth.

However, beyond the immediate benefits, 51Talk’s commitment to AI reflects a forward-looking vision for the future of online education: Achieving high-quality, personalized education, affordable to all.

With Smart Learning System 2.0, 51Talk bridges the gap between scalability and personalization, offering a sustainable model that redefines what’s possible in global online education.

Contact:
David Chung
davidchung@51talk.com 

Consensus concludes sold-out debut event in Hong Kong and announces return to Asia in 2026

  • The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre reached maximum capacity, with nearly 10,000 in-person attendees from over 100 countries, solidifying the conference’s position as a marquee event of the region.
  • The conference, and its 350+ side events held over the week, are estimated to have contributed HK$275m to the economy.
  • Sold-out event highlights the conference’s success in bridging East-meets-West dialogue, with industry-altering announcements made throughout the week.

HONG KONG, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Consensus Hong Kong, which took place between February 18 and 20, 2025, has officially wrapped up its sold-out debut. As the world’s biggest and longest-serving event series for critical conversations on Web3, digital assets and blockchain, Consensus attracted nearly 10,000 in-person attendees, from 102 countries, to Hong Kong, with a combined AUM for attendees estimated at more than US$4 trillion. The success of the event has garnered international attention, so much so that it has officially announced today that it will be returning to Asia again next year in 2026.

The event’s arrival in Hong Kong coincided with several key regional milestones, with notable announcements during the week taking place, including:

  • Hong Kong’s financial regulator, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), unveiled a new road map with 12 initiatives designed to “future-proof” Hong Kong’s virtual asset ecosystem;
  • Standard Chartered publicized its joint venture with Animoca Brands and Hong Kong Telecom (HKT) to seek a licence from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) to issue a Hong Kong dollar-backed stablecoin.
  • Other announcements came from Hex Trust, Robinhood, WisdomTree, Pundi AI, zkMe, and more.
  • Bullish Group, the parent company of CoinDesk, announced that its Hong Kong digital asset trading business has received licensing approval from the SFC;

Seventy-five percent of the nearly 10,000 in-person attendees traveled from overseas, driving up tourism in Hong Kong and bringing in an estimated HK$275m to the city. Over 450 media registered to report on the event and hear from over 300 high-caliber speakers from the Hong Kong government, Web3 regulators and brands like Binance, Blockstream, Circle, Coinbase, Google, Pantera, Robinhood and Solana Foundation. Supported by over 125 sponsors and over 160 community partners, including Auros, Hex Trust, TRON, Aptos, CoinW, Dimitra, First Digital, Genius, Zeebu, and many more, the team was able to fulfill its mission of making Consensus the most important platform for digital assets and Web3.

In addition to the main conference line-up, over 350 side events took place over the course of the week in iconic Hong Kong venues. Cloud 39 at the Henderson, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Wonderland (West Kowloon Cultural District) the Grand Hyatt and Iron Fairies hosted special events, such as the opening Rooftop Revelry, Consensus Cup, Token of Love music festival, Crypto Fight Night and the Closing Party. Additional community-hosted side events took place in venues across the city including at Trilogy, Soho House, Popinjays, The Kerry Hotel, Luk Yu Tea House, Faye, K11, Dragon-I, Ozone, Cardinal Point, and dozens of others.

Its signature experiences, including the Hackathon and PitchFest, drew tech talent from all over the world:

  • Over 500 top developers – including from Thiel Fellows, and quants from top investment banks JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley – joined the two-day, in-person Hackathon run in partnership with EasyA. In total, 67 ground-breaking blockchain projects were launched to compete for more than US$400K in prizes and grants. There were six tracks at the Hackathon: Aptos, Ripple, MozaicNFT,  Crust, Original Trail and Polkadot, which were won respectively by ProfitX, Xeno, MozaicDot, MoME (Mixture of Multi-chain Experts) and Pix x Origintrail Telegram Bot.
  • Over 400 of the world’s most promising early-stage Web3 start-ups attended, with 12 competing live onstage at CoinDesk PitchFest for investor attention. TransCrypts, a leader in digital identity and credentials, backed by Mark Cuban, GSR Ventures, and others emerged as the winner. The competition was judged by top investors from Spartan Ventures, Titan Fund, CMCC, Foresight Ventures, Animoca Brands, and more.

Michael Lau, Chairman of Consensus Hong Kong, said, “Consensus Hong Kong was an overwhelming success. The combination of our nearly 10,000 in-person attendees and over 350 side events is independent validation proving our conference achieved incredible product-market fit. It is clear that the global Web3 industry has been asking for a truly world-class conference in Hong Kong for a while, and Consensus Hong Kong was the answer.  Hong Kong has worked hard to strategically position itself as a forward-thinking digital assets hub with a vibrant ecosystem that fosters entrepreneurial spirits, so we hope to return again next year—at an even bigger scale.”

Brad Spies, Managing Director of Consensus said, “Consensus has always had a laser focus on bringing together all of the different parts of the crypto ecosystem: traditional finance, DeFi traders, regulators, developers, entrepreneurs, investors, startups, academics, and artists. We are humbled to host heavyweight attendees from around the world looking to connect, and share singular experiences from day to night. Consensus Hong Kong has taken that mission to a new level, bringing together all sides of the industry, east and west, and using Hong Kong’s unparalleled venues, restaurants, and community as a way to bring people together to share ideas, create business opportunities, and have an excellent time doing it.”

Media contact:
Cognito on behalf of Consensus Hong Kong
ConsensusHK@cognitomedia.com 

About Consensus

Since 2015, Consensus has been the world’s largest and most influential gathering of the digital assets, blockchain and Web3 communities. Consensus now heads to Hong Kong, bringing together the industry’s most important voices from East and West for pivotal conversations and deal-making opportunities.

Consensus Hong Kong convenes global leaders in tech and finance to debate pressing issues, announce key developments and deals, and share their visions for the future. Consensus is produced by the award-winning media outlet CoinDesk and is guided by its commitment to independent, unbiased journalism. Consensus sets the agenda for the next wave of innovation and deal-making in the crypto and Web3 space.

About CoinDesk

CoinDesk is the most trusted media, events, indices, and data company for the global crypto economy. Since 2013, CoinDesk Media has led the story of the future of money and investing, illuminating the transformation in society and culture that comes with it. Our award-winning team of journalists delivers news and unparalleled insights that bring transparency, comprehension, and context. CoinDesk Events gathers the global crypto, blockchain, and Web3 communities at annual events such as Consensus, the world’s largest and longest-running crypto festival. CoinDesk Indices offers expertise in digital asset indices, data, and research to educate and empower investors. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by Bullish group. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary and abides by a strict set of editorial policies. For more information on CoinDesk media and events, please visit CoinDesk.com. For breaking headlines, data, and indices, visit CoinDeskmarkets.com.

CStone Announces Publication of GEMSTONE-303 Study Results for Sugemalimab (Cejemly®) in JAMA

  • Sugemalimab is the world’s first anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of gastric or gastroesophageal junction (G/GEJ) adenocarcinoma. The GEMSTONE-303 study results support sugemalimab in combination with chemotherapy as a new standard first-line treatment for patients with PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) ≥5.
  • Sugemalimab is the first anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody demonstrating superior overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) with a manageable safety profile in combination with chemotherapy compared to placebo plus chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced or metastatic G/GEJ adenocarcinoma who have not received prior systemic treatment for advanced disease and have PD-L1 CPS ≥5.
  • Sugemalimab has received approvals for five indications in China, and for first-line treatment of Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in China, Europe and the UK. CStone will continue to engage with health authorities in Europe and other regions for regulatory expansion.

SUZHOU, China, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CStone Pharmaceuticals (“CStone”, HKEX: 2616), an innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company focused on the research and development of anti-cancer therapies, today announced the publication of the GEMSTONE-303 study results for sugemalimab (brand name: Cejemly®) in the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)

GEMSTONE-303 is a Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study designed to evaluate the efficacy of sugemalimab in combination with capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CAPOX) compared to placebo plus CAPOX as first-line treatment for patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic G/GEJ adenocarcinoma with PD-L1 CPS ≥5. The dual primary endpoints were OS and investigator-assessed PFS. Key secondary endpoints included PFS assessed by the Blinded Independent Central Review Committee (BICR), objective response rate (ORR), and duration of response (DoR).

The GEMSTONE-303 article published in JAMA highlights the following key efficacy and safety findings:

  • In patients with PD-L1 CPS ≥5, the sugemalimab group showed statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in both OS and PFS compared with the control group.
  • Median OS was 15.6 months in the sugemalimab group compared with 12.6 months in the control group, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.75 (95% CI, 0.61-0.92), P=0.006, indicating that sugemalimab plus CAPOX could reduce the risk of death by 25%.
  • Median PFS was 7.6 months in the sugemalimab group versus 6.1 months in the control group, with a HR of 0.66 (95% CI, 0.54-0.81), P<0.001.
  • Grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events (TRAE) occurred in 53.9% of patients in the sugemalimab group and 50.6% in the control group, indicating that the safety of this combination regimen was manageable.

Subgroup analyses demonstrated consistent clinical benefits across all pre-defined subgroups, including patients with varying PD-L1 expression levels:

  • Sugemalimab plus CAPOX significantly prolonged OS in patients with PD-L1 CPS ≥10; median OS was 17.8 months in the sugemalimab group compared with 12.5 months in the control group, with a HR of 0.64 (95% CI, 0.48-0.85), P=0.002.
  • In patients with PD-L1 CPS ≥10, median PFS was 7.8 months in the sugemalimab group compared with 5.5 months in the control group, with a HR of 0.58 (95% CI, 0.43-0.77), P<0.001.
  • In patients with PD-L1 CPS ≥10, ORR was 71.4% in the sugemalimab group compared with 48.6% in the control group.

Dr. Jason Yang, CEO, President of R&D, and Executive Director at CStone, stated: “We are honored to see the GEMSTONE-303 study results published in JAMA. This study establishes sugemalimab in combination with chemotherapy as the new standard first-line treatment for patients with PD-L1 CPS ≥5 G/GEJ adenocarcinoma. To date, sugemalimab has been approved for five indications in China. Internationally, we have expanded its regulatory pathways and forged commercialization partnerships in various global markets. The compelling clinical data from GEMSTONE-303 reinforce our confidence in advancing the global registration and commercialization of sugemalimab. We are committed to unlocking its full clinical potential and providing greater survival benefits to patients worldwide.”

Professor Lin Shen, Peking University Cancer Hospital, the leading principal investigator of the GEMSTONE-303 study, said: “Before the availability of PD-1 monoclonal antibodies, chemotherapy was the standard first-line treatment for unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic G/GEJ adenocarcinoma, with median OS rarely exceeding one year. The combination of anti-PD-1 antibodies and chemotherapy has significantly extended survival for these patients. The GEMSTONE-303 study builds on this progress. As the first anti-PD-L1 antibody approved for this patient population, sugemalimab specifically targeted the PD-L1-expressing population in its pivotal study, achieving significant efficacy with a manageable safety profile. The acceptance and publication of these results in JAMA affirm the innovation of GEMSTONE-303 and the valuable contributions of all researchers and participants involved.”

*Link to JAMA Network: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2830739

About Sugemalimab

The anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody sugemalimab was developed by CStone using OmniRat® transgenic animal platform, which allows creation of fully human antibodies in one step. Sugemalimab is a fully human, full-length anti-PD-L1 immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) monoclonal antibody, which may reduce the risk of immunogenicity and toxicity for patients, a unique advantage over similar drugs.

The National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China has approved sugemalimab for five indications:

  • In combination with chemotherapy as first-line treatment of patients with metastatic squamous and non-squamous NSCLC;
  • For the treatment of patients with unresectable Stage III NSCLC whose disease has not progressed following concurrent or sequential platinum-based chemoradiotherapy;
  • For the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma;
  • In combination with fluorouracil and platinum-based chemotherapy as first-line treatment of patients with unresectable locally advanced, recurrent or metastatic ESCC; and
  • In combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy as first-line treatment for unresectable locally advanced or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction (G/GEJ) adenocarcinoma with a PD-L1 expression CPS ≥5.

The European Commission (EC) has approved sugemalimab (brand name: Cejemly®) in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC with no sensitizing EGFR mutations, or ALK, ROS1 or RET genomic tumor aberrations.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the United Kingdom has approved the marketing authorization application for sugemalimab in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy for first-line treatment of metastatic NSCLC with no sensitizing EGFR mutations, or ALK, ROS1 or RET genomic tumor aberrations.

About CStone

CStone (HKEX: 2616), established in late 2015, is an innovation-driven biopharmaceutical company focused on the research and development of anti-cancer therapies. Dedicated to addressing patients’ unmet medical needs in China and globally, the Company has made significant strides since its inception. To date, the Company has successfully launched 4 innovative drugs and secured approvals for 16 new drug applications (NDAs) covering 9 indications. The company’s pipeline is balanced by 16 promising candidates, featuring potentially first-in-class or best-in-class antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), multispecific antibodies, immunotherapies and precision medicines. CStone also prides itself on a management team with comprehensive experiences and capabilities that span the entire drug development spectrum, from preclinical and translational research to clinical development, drug manufacturing, business development, and commercialization. For more information about CStone, please visit www.cstonepharma.com.

Forward-looking statements

The forward-looking statements made in this article only relate to events or information as of the date when the statements are made in this article. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or publicly revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this article completely and with the understanding that our actual future results or performance may be materially different from what we expect. All statements in this article are made on the date of publication of this article and may change due to future developments.

Disclaimer: only for communication and scientific use by medical and health professionals, it is not intended for promotional purposes.

Lessons from Japan’s AMR Response for the Global Community

https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/380481

TOKYO, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO) has released Japan’s AMR Response 2013–2025 alongside Tokyo AMR One Health Conference (February 18–19, 2025), hosted by Ministry of Health Labour and Welfare, Japan and co-hosted by WPRO and WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia. Developed by the AMR Clinical Reference Center for WPRO, the report highlights lessons from development, implementation, and monitoring of Japan’s National AMR Action Plan (2016–2020) (NAP1) and National AMR Action Plan (2023–2027) (NAP2). These insights may aid other countries in strengthening their AMR response.

NAP1 Implementation: Achievements and Challenges

NAP1 (2016) prioritized following six areas:

  1. Public awareness and education
  2. Surveillance and monitoring
  3. Infection prevention and control (IPC)
  4. Appropriate use of antimicrobials
  5. Research and development
  6. International cooperation

NAP1 strengthened Japan’s AMR surveillance and built an evidence base. However, challenges included geographic data bias, difficulties in IPC expansion to long-term care facilities, and limited public AMR awareness.

NAP2 (2023) retains NAP1’s framework while setting more targeted, actionable goals.

Key Lessons for the Global Community

1. Embedding the AMR response in health systems strengthening

AMR strategies should be integrated into broader health system strengthening rather than implemented in isolation. AMR efforts must align with primary health care, universal health coverage (UHC), and emergency preparedness and response to achieve sustainable impact. WHO’s People-Centered Approach is essential to ensuring that people remain at the core of interventions.

2. Strengthening Antimicrobial Supply Networks

Global antimicrobial shortages highlight the need for stable supply chains. Japan promotes domestic production while maintaining import-based supply networks to ensure accessibility.

3. Enhancing Surveillance Data Collection and Use

High-quality surveillance data is crucial for evidence-based interventions, monitoring effectiveness, and early detection of AMR outbreaks. Strengthening surveillance systems remains key.

4. Adapting to the local context and maximizing the use of resources AMR measures must be adaptable to each country’s context. Strategies effective in Japan may not be directly applicable elsewhere, requiring flexible implementation.

Japan’s Global Leadership in AMR Response

Japan has demonstrated strong leadership in supporting countries through technology transfer in areas such as strengthening surveillance systems, IPC, and the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. The release of Japan’s AMR Response 2013–2025 and its presentation at the Tokyo AMR One Health Conference mark significant steps in sharing Japan’s expertise and advancing global AMR control efforts.

JACKY CHEUNG BREAKS RECORD WITH 1000 SHOWS ACROSS 10 TOURS, A MILESTONE IN CHINESE MUSIC HISTORY

BEIJING, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Jacky Cheung, known as the “God of Songs” in the Chinese-speaking world, reached a historic milestone on February 23 by completing his 1,000th concert. This performance, held in Haikou as part of the “Jacky Cheung 60+ World Tour,” also marked the 218th show of this current tour. Cheung is now the first Chinese artist ever to surpass the 1,000-concert milestone. To celebrate this momentous occasion, the management team of Universal Music Greater China (UMGC) attended the concert and presented Cheung with a special gift, honoring his remarkable influence and legacy over the past four decades.


 

L-R: Gary Chan, David Chan, Jacky Cheung, Timothy Xu, Sunny Cheung (photograph: Shen Jing)
L-R: Gary Chan, David Chan, Jacky Cheung, Timothy Xu, Sunny Cheung (photograph: Shen Jing)

Jacky Cheung’s ten world tours represent a legendary musical journey that spans 38 years. Beginning in 1987 with his first solo tour, the “Jacky Cheung 87 Concert” from Hong Kong Coliseum to his 1,000th concert in 2025, his career has taken him to over 100 cities across 18 countries and regions, attracting millions of fans. These performances have not only set unparalleled records in the Chinese music industry but have also witnessed the global rise of Chinese pop music on the world stage.

Although Cheung has always stated that breaking records was never his goal, his tours have consistently set new milestones. In 1995, his “Friends World Tour” reached 100 shows, a record for the most performances by a Chinese artist at the time. In 2010, his “1/2 Century World Tour” attracted over 2 million people within a single year, earning a Guinness World Records™ title for the “largest combined audience for a live act in 12 months.” The “Jacky Cheung A Classic Tour,” which spanned 2 years and 3 months, set the record for the most shows by a Chinese artist in a single tour, with 233 performances. Now, with his ongoing “60+ Concert Tour,” which began in 2023, Cheung has already completed 218 shows, with more performances expected to surpass the records set by his previous tours.

Regarded as one of the most influential Chinese artists worldwide, Jacky Cheung is often celebrated as the “God of Songs” in the Chinese-speaking world. He has won numerous prestigious awards, including the “U.S. Billboard Music Awards – The Most Popular Singer in Asia” (1994), “World Music Awards – World’s Best-Selling Asian Artist” (1995, 1996), and the “Jade Solid Gold Awards – Asia Pacific Most Popular Male Singer” (1994, 1997, 1998), “Golden Melody Award – Best Mandarin Male Singer” (1998), among other top honors, and has had seven albums certified as Hong Kong’s best-sellers by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI).

At his concert on that evening, Jacky Cheung, deeply moved, expressed: “What does 1,000 concerts mean to me? It’s a reflection of the past 40 years, where I’ve spent nearly 3,000 hours standing on this stage. I’ve poured all my sincerity and love into every performance. To every fan who has supported me, whether you’re here with me tonight or not, my journey has been shaped by your unwavering love and encouragement. Without you, I would never have had the chance to do what I love most. These 40 years, these 1,000 shows—they were made possible by you. I am sincerely grateful for your constant presence by my side. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Jacky Cheung 1000 shows Celebration, Photographed by Shen Jing
Jacky Cheung 1000 shows Celebration, Photographed by Shen Jing

Jacky Cheung’s career began in 1984 when he joined PolyGram Records, which later became a subsidiary of Universal Music Group (UMG). Despite the many changes in the music industry over the years, Cheung has remained with UMG for over four decades, a testament to his enduring relationship with the label. UMG has supported the release of more than 50 of his albums, reinforcing his leadership in the Chinese music scene and helping to propel his international success. To commemorate his 1,000th concert milestone, UMG presented Cheung with a special gift — a three-meter-long traditional Chinese scroll painting that captures his 38-year, ten-tour journey. Each tour’s stage designs, lighting, and iconic looks are intricately depicted, set against a backdrop of fans holding light signs, symbolizing the brilliance of his enduring musical legacy.

Adam Granite, Executive Vice President of Market Development at Universal Music Group, sent his congratulations: “Jacky Cheung’s remarkable achievements over the past 40 years have far surpassed the boundaries of the Chinese music industry. From record-breaking album sales to the global reach of his music and the unparalleled scale of his tours, Cheung has solidified his place as one of the world’s most iconic superstars. Reaching 1,000 concerts is an extraordinary accomplishment that few artists worldwide could ever achieve. I offer my sincere congratulations to Jacky and eagerly anticipate the future milestones he will continue to set.”

Timothy Xu, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Greater China, presented the gift to Jacky Cheung and said, “It’s an honor to witness this historic milestone. I offer my heartfelt congratulations and deepest respect to Mr. Cheung. His unwavering trust in us over the past 40 years has contributed to an extraordinary legacy in the music industry. Mr. Cheung is not only our pride but also a defining figure in the Chinese music scene. His unparalleled artistry, remarkable professionalism, and every breakthrough he has achieved in bringing Chinese music to the global stage, continue to inspire us. We look forward to many more years of collaboration, promoting the influence of Chinese culture to the world stage.”

Gary Chan, Managing Director of Universal Music Hong Kong and Senior Vice President of Greater China, added, “It is an immense honor to witness and congratulate Mr. Cheung on his 1,000th concert. As the undisputed ‘God of Songs’ in the Chinese-speaking world, Jacky Cheung has become a symbol not just of Hong Kong’s pop music, but of a shared memory for Chinese people globally. From his early days with PolyGram in Hong Kong to his rise as a global superstar, we believe his legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of musicians from Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, leading them to new heights.”

*JACKY CHEUNG’S 1000 SHOWS ACROSS 10 CONCERT TOURS

  • Jacky Cheung 87 Concert (1987)
    A total of 6 shows
  • Love You More Every Day Tour (1991)
    A total of 15 shows
  • School & Friends World Tour (1993 – 1994)
    A total of 65 shows
  • Jacky Cheung 95 World Tour (1995 – 1996)
    A total of 100 shows
  • Friends World Tour (1999)
    A total of 67 shows
  • Music Odyssey Tour (2002 – 2003)
    A total of 45 shows
  • The Year of Jacky Cheung World Tour (2007 – 2008)
    A total of 105 shows
  • Jacky Cheung 1/2 Century World Tour (2010 – 2012)
    A total of 146 shows; Set a Guinness World Record™ for “the largest combined audience for a live act in 12 months.”
  • A Classic Tour (2016 – 2019)
    A total of 233 shows
  • Jacky Cheung 60+ Concert Tour (2023 – 2026)
    Still ongoing. As of February 23, 2025, 218 shows have been held.

 

Laos Lifts 31,000 Families from Poverty Amid Skepticism

Laos house (Photo: Global Hand)

By Kheuakham Chanlivong and Phontham Visapra


Laos has lifted 31,232 families out of poverty, reaching 89.23 percent of its 2024 target. The progress was shared during a national meeting on 17-18 February, where officials reviewed the country’s development efforts and set new goals.

Meizu to debut AI full ecosystem products at MWC 2025

BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Mobile World Congress (MWC 2025) will kick off from March 3 to 6 in Barcelona, Spain. For the first time, Meizu will present its full AI ecosystem, with several cutting-edge products making their debut. The company will showcase its theme, “AI Illuminates a Better Life,” inviting tech enthusiasts from around the world to experience innovative future technologies at the Meizu booth.


At MWC 2025, Meizu will be located at the Fira Gran Via exhibition center in Barcelona, showcasing its products based on Flyme AIOS technology, which focuses on three core areas: smart glasses, smartphones, and smart cars. Additionally, they will present products like overseas smartwatches and tablets, highlighting a seamless, cross-device connected vision of future smart living.

As a global tech company, Meizu is the smartphone brand of DreamSmart Group, which carries AI eco-products in three product areas, which are smartphones, XR and smart cars. With deep technological expertise in multiple industries, DreamSmart is recognized as a leader in smart ecosystems.

At MWC 2025, Meizu will bring several highlights to the event. In addition to popular products like the Meizu 21 series and StarV AR glasses, Meizu will unveil several new overseas smartphone models, including the Meizu Note 22, Meizu Note 22 Pro, Mblu 22, and Mblu 22 Pro, etc. which are designed specifically for international markets in the first half of 2025. Meizu will also partner with China Mobile and China Unicom to showcase its smart glasses and other AloT smart ecosystem products. Notably, the AR glasses with a notification feature, which have gained popularity in China, will also make an appearance. Besides smartphones and smart glasses, other tech products like smart cabin operating systems and smart rings will also be revealed.

MWC is the most authoritative exhibition in the global communications field. With the theme “Converge, Connect, Create,” MWC 2025 will bring together top tech companies, industry leaders, and experts to discuss the latest trends, innovative applications, and future directions of the global tech industry. By showcasing its full AI ecosystem at MWC 2025, Meizu aims to demonstrate its brand charm, lead technological innovation with its AI ecosystem, and expand its global presence. Currently, Meizu’s smartphones are sold in over 30 countries and regions, including Asia-Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Europe. Its XR smart glasses have become a hit in North America and Europe, while Flyme Auto-equipped vehicles have been exported to the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Asia-Pacific. With product innovation and brand influence driving its growth, Meizu continues to make strides in its globalization efforts. Let’s look forward to Meizu’s exciting performance at MWC 2025!

The 2025 Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards Judging Week Commences at the End of February

The 6-day event features higher competition standards with an elevated panel of 27 acclaimed judges, plus a series of events including wine seminars, Masterclasses, and wine dinners

MACAO, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With the support of the Macao Government Tourism Office, Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace will play host to a rigorous judging week for the highly anticipated 2025 Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards, created by “Wynn Signature” – Wynn’s exclusive lifestyle brand. As the largest gathering of its kind to evaluate Chinese wines based on international standards, this year’s competition is being elevated to even higher standards with respect to the judging system, panel of judges, scale of participation, variety of awards and post-event promotions. Taking place from February 28 to March 5, the six-day event is slated to feature much more than the stringent judging of Chinese wines, as Wynn will also host a series of engaging professional wine seminars, Masterclasses, and collaborative wine dinners. The world’s leading authorities on wine are teaming up with the award-winning chefs at Wynn to shine a light on the most sophisticated wines from across China.

2025 Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards
2025 Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards

Following the success of the inaugural Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards in 2024, this year’s competition has attracted even more participants, with close to 200 of China’s top wineries submitting over 900 varieties of wine for the competition. The composition of the 2025 panel of judges has also been elevated to feature 27 internationally renowned authorities on wine. In keeping with last year, judging will be conducted through blind tastings, adhering to the internationally recognized 100-point scale, and utilizing a comprehensive grading system to determine the award winners. With respect to the variety of awards, Wynn will present the highly coveted “Wynn Signature Best Wine of China Trophy” and 37 individual accolades, with the introduction of two new award categories: “Wynn Sommelier’s Choice” and “Best Young Winemaker”. These trophies champion the excellence of major varietal expressions and regionality of wines across China.

On April 11, Wynn will host an awards ceremony to reveal the winning wines which will go on to receive marketing promotional opportunities in Mainland China and around the world through the strong global network of Wynn and the internationally acclaimed judges, showcasing Chinese wines on a larger global stage.

Inaugural event successfully promotes Chinese wines globally

Wynn launched the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards – the largest event of its kind to evaluate Chinese wines based on international standards – with a vision to promote Chinese wines on a global stage. The event remains committed to selecting China’s top wines, commending outstanding winemakers, and promoting the excellence of Chinese wines to international markets – all paving the way for a more robust future for China’s wine industry.

As the first-of-its-kind for the wine sector, last year’s awards event built a solid foundation, attracting significant international attention, establishing a strong reputation amongst the wine industry, and making far-reaching inroads into Chinese wineries and production areas. The award-winning wines have not only become symbols of premium Chinese wines, but have also led to an exciting exchange of innovative and technological ideas between wineries and production areas, while also promoting the diversified development of the industry. Leveraging its strong reputation for food and beverage as well as its vast global marketing network, Wynn hosted a series of brand promotional events in Las Vegas, Singapore, Hong Kong and other locations around the world to rapidly spread awareness about high-quality Chinese wines to international markets and expand the global appetite for Chinese wines.

Shortly after Wynn launched the competition, the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards have received significant recognition and substantial policy support from local governments and industry organizations in China. In March 2024, the Yantai City Commerce Bureau and the Finance Bureau of Shandong Province officially released “Guidelines for Receiving Subsidies for the Development of the Wine Industry in Yantai City” to encourage the high-quality development of the wine industry through subsidies, award recognition, and other measures. The guidelines specifically state that a one-time reward of up to RMB 20,000 will be given to a winery that receives the highest accolade from the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards. In its first year, the Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards successfully managed to garner global acclaim, ranking alongside other prestigious international wine competitions such as the International Wine Challenge (IWC), Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB) and the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA). After solidifying a reputation as a globally recognized wine competition, Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards is now able to play an influential role in promoting Chinese wines on a global scale.

Elevating the judging panel for 2025

Taking the level of the competition to even greater heights this year, Wynn is pleased to welcome 27 of the world’s leading authorities on wines, including 10 Masters of Wine (MW), 3 Master Sommeliers (MS), and 1 industry expert with dual MW and MS certifications as members of the judging panel for the 2025 Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards.

This year’s judging panel sees the return of Fongyee Walker MW, China’s first resident Master of Wine; Gus Zhu MW, the first Chinese national Master of Wine; and Xing Wei MW, China’s newest and youngest Master of Wine in 2024. New panelists include Richard Hemming MW, who first served in London and now as Head of Wine, Asia, for 67 Pall Mall in Singapore; Konstantin Baum MW, a globally influential wine social media expert; Kevin Lu MS, Asia’s third Master Sommelier; Terry Xu, one of China’s most influential opinion leaders; Ronald Khoo, Wine, Spirits & Beverages Manager for Cathay Pacific; Dr. Jamie Goode, scientist and wine writer; Meiyu Li,  champion of China’s Best Sommelier Competition and China’s Best French Wine Sommelier Competition; as well as many more winemakers, educators, writers, hoteliers and wine buyers, who will jointly provide their global expertise and professional insights for this event.

New awards designed to promote innovation and cultivate talent

This year, Wynn will be presenting a total of 38 awards, up from 24 awards in 2024. These new awards are designed to boost innovation and cultivate new talents for the wine industry. Two new award categories – “Wynn Sommelier’s Choice” and “Best Young Winemaker” – aim to promote the integration of Chinese wine and high-quality gastronomy, inspire a new generation of winemakers to break through the barriers of tradition, and boost the momentum of China’s development of the wine industry over the long term.

The team of sommeliers from six award-winning Wynn restaurants – Chef Tam’s Seasons, Lakeview Palace, SW Steakhouse, Mizumi, Wing Lei, and Drunken Fish – will select the winners of the “Wynn Sommelier’s Choice”. Through blind tastings as well as food and wine pairing tests, the Chinese wines that best complement the signature dishes of each restaurant will be selected. Celebrating the future of Chinese wine, the “Best Young Winemaker” commends new and young winemakers who are under the age of 40. Participants are required to submit at least three of their own cultivated wines. After rigorous judging, the winemaker with the highest average score will receive an award which applauds the innovation and remarkable craftsmanship of a new generation of winemakers.

Wynn will host a series of exciting events throughout judging week

Throughout the judging week, the world’s leading authorities on wine will collaborate with the award-winning culinary team at Wynn to present a series of professional seminars, Masterclasses and wine dinners.

Wynn will host four seminars conducted by internationally acclaimed judges to lead in-depth discussions and provide opportunities for the exchange of ideas centered around the development of Chinese wines from a global perspective. On March 2, Professor Ma Huiqin of China Agricultural University will host a “Yunnan & Sichuan Regional Tutorial” to explore the winemaking potential and the unique terroir of Yunnan and Sichuan. The following day, Xing Wei MW will analyze the potential of wines grown in the northwest production areas of China through his “Xinjiang & Ningxia Regional Tutorial”. On March 4, Julien Boulard MW will give an in-depth talk about the development potential of the Marselan grape variety in China during his “Marselan Tutorial”. On March 5, Terry Xu will host a “China Wine Update: Commercial & Digital Landscape” seminar, sharing his latest market analysis.

Professionals from the wine industry as well as wine enthusiasts are invited to participate in three afternoon Masterclass sessions at Wynn from March 1 to March 4, where they can savor the world’s finest wines. On March 1, Richard Hemming MW will host a “Wine & The Food of Asia” Masterclass, where he will talk about his new book on how wine matches with the flavors and spices found in Asian cuisine. On March 2, Gus Zhu MW and Dr. Jamie Goode will jointly host “The science behind the main wine aromas and flavours” Masterclass to explore the key scientific factors that affect wine quality. On March 4, two of the world’s leading authorities on Bordeaux wine – Jane Anson and João Pires MS – will host a “Château Pavie Masterclass” to explore the terroir and production philosophy of Château Pavie, one of the top Right Bank wines of Bordeaux.

Four Wynn signature restaurants will also team up with globally renowned wine experts on Friday, February 28 and Saturday, March 1 to present a series of phenomenal wine dinners. Lakeview Palace will host wine dinners, where Xing Wei MW and Kevin Lu MS will pair innovative Jiangnan dishes from Executive Chef Kevin Zhu with fine wines from China and around the world, showcasing the food and wine pairing philosophies of East and West. Executive Chef Hironori Maeda of Mizumi at Wynn Palace will collaborate with Executive Chef Yoshinori Ishii of Auberge TOKITO in Tokyo, Japan to present: “Asian Treasure Ingredients Tour”. Together, they will create a special kaiseki menu where Japanese seasonal vegetables take center stage. Sake expert Kenichi Ohashi MW has chosen a special selection of outstanding sakes to ensure a delicate and balanced pairing for the ultimate Japanese dining experience. SW Steakhouse is pleased to welcome Christy Canterbury MW, who will showcase two of the most highly sought-after American wineries – Hundred Acre and 00 Wines. She will pair these top-quality wines with the highest grades of Wagyu beef from Snake River Farms in collaboration with Executive Chef Helder Sequeira Amaral during the wine dinner. Executive Chef Henry Zhang of Drunken Fish will present a late night kitchen dining experience and team up with The Young Generation China Wine (YGCW), a group of China’s young generation of winemakers, to select the finest wines to pair Chef Zhang’s creative late-night dishes. To add even more energy and excitement, Terry Xu will be the host, where he will share colorful commentary and insights on wines with guests throughout both evenings.

To stay informed about the latest Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards events, please visit Wynn’s official website: https://www.wynnresortsmacau.com/en/wynn-palace/whats-on/wynn-signature-chinese-wine-awards

Highlights of the 2025 Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards Judging Panel:

  • Fongyee Walker MW – Vice Chair for the inaugural awards and once again this year, Fongyee is Mainland China’s first resident Master of Wine, one of the most revered wine educators in China, and a highly respected pioneer in China’s wine industry.
  • Gus Zhu MW – The first Chinese national Master of Wine, Gus is also a research and development scientist. He is committed to providing professional wine education and consulting services to global wine professionals and consumers.
  • Xing Wei MW China’s newest and youngest Master of Wine, Xing Wei received certification in 2024. He also serves as an independent wine educator and judge, while also teaching wine courses across China.
  • Kevin Lu MS – Kevin is the third Asian to obtain Master Sommelier qualification. He has also garnered the 2023 MICHELIN Guide Sommelier Award and the title of “Best Sommelier” from Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024
  • Richard Hemming MW – Richard first worked in London and is now currently the Head of Wine, Asia, for 67 Pall Mall in Singapore. He is Master of Wine, author, educator and amateur pianist.
  • Konstantin Baum MW – The youngest Master of Wine in Germany, Konstantin is a globally renowned wine KOL. His YouTube channel is one of the biggest wine channels in the world and he also has a big following on Instagram.
  • Ronald Khoo – Currently Wine, Spirits & Beverages Manager for Cathay Pacific, Ronald previously ran businesses related to wine importation, retail sales, wholesaling, and restaurant operations for two decades. He has also served as a WSET educator and a wine judge at various wine competitions.
  • Dr. Jamie Goode – An outstanding scientist and writer, Jamie serves as one of the co-chairs of the International Wine Challenge (IWC) and has authored a number of books including Wine Science and The New Viticulture.
  • Terry Xu – A renowned wine and cognac expert, Terry is a senior wine business consultant and considered one of China’s most influential wine opinion leaders.
  • Meiyu Li – Champion of the China’s Best Sommelier Competition and China’s Best French Wine Sommelier Competition, Meiyu launched “DrinkArts”, a renowned wine consulting company which has received dozens of prestigious awards.

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Fongyee Walker MW, Gus Zhu MW, and Xing Wei MW return to Macao once again to join an experienced panel of 27 judges for the 2025 Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards. The 2025 Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards introduces two new award categories – “Wynn Sommelier’s Choice” and “Best Young Winemaker” Xing Wei MW and Kevin Lu MS pair the best wines from China and around the world at Lakeview Palace.
Fongyee Walker MW, Gus Zhu MW, and Xing Wei MW return to Macao once again to join an experienced panel of 27 judges for the 2025 Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards. The 2025 Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards introduces two new award categories – “Wynn Sommelier’s Choice” and “Best Young Winemaker” Xing Wei MW and Kevin Lu MS pair the best wines from China and around the world at Lakeview Palace.